The Fall of Phaeton

About this work

This sketch shows a dramatic scene of a falling figure wrapped in flowing cloth, arms outstretched. The body twists midair, with one leg bent and the other straight, as if caught in a sudden drop. Dark, jagged lines radiate outward like light or movement, while the background is loose, sketchy shapes—maybe clouds or chaos. The artist used quick, confident strokes to show motion and energy. The ink lines overlap in some spots, creating a sense of speed and weight. The paper itself looks old, with a faint grid pattern visible underneath. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build shadow and depth with lines.